Embrace all of India’s mesmerising culture and make sure you don’t miss out a single Bazaar, temple or hidden beach on this India Experience tour. Spend four unforgettable weeks uncovering the treasures of this rich and entrancing country as you make your way from the foothills of the Himalayas to the glistening and colourful coastline of Goa.

India is a country of immense variety and contrasts; it is intoxicating yet charming, spiritual yet chaotic. A feast for the senses and a truly unique destination, India is a country that must be embraced with both arms and explored with your eyes wide open. The India Experience is perfect for those of you that don’t want to miss a thing, as you take in all of the country’s most spectacular sites and once in a lifetime activities, including the magnificent Taj Mahal, the famous hot springs of Shimla, camel trekking and sleeping under the stars in the Rajasthan desert, trekking through forests and the foothills of the himalayas, exploring palaces, forts and temples, visiting world heritage sites, volunteering on community projects and partying on the famous beaches of Goa. Sit back, relax and soak up India in all its slendour, this is an experience not to be missed!

Week One Delhi, Shimla and the HimalayasYour adventure will begin in the bustling city of Delhi and soon move on to the captivating and enchanting city of Shimla at the foot of the Himalayas. Shimla has been nicknamed the ‘Queen of the Hills’ and it’s easy to see why, with its historic, European style architecture, breathtaking views and thriving cultural scene. This will be the base of an exhilarating two day trek across the foothills of the himalayas as you take in some of the most impressive mountainous landscapes that India has to offer. Next you will visit the healing and invigorating natural hot springs of Tattapani which are nestled in the picturesque Himachal Pradesh, followed by a trip to the ancient and enchanting birthplace of the Dalai Lama, the city of Dharamsala, which is surrounded by snow capped mountains. Ancient Tibetan customs and traditional markets make this the perfect destination to explore and understand this intriguing culture as you soak up the rich history and colourful atmosphere. You will finish this week getting to the heart of India’s bustling capital, Delhi as you take in the sights, sounds and tantalising tastes of this energetic city.

Week Two The Taj Mahal, Rajasthan Desert, Lakes of Udaipur and Mount AbuContinue on your cultural discovery in the second week as you visit the iconic, world famous architecture of the Taj Mahal and learn about it’s romantic and historic story. Next you will journey to Udaipur, nicknamed the ‘City of Lakes’ in Rajasthan where you will soak up the spectacular views and admire the grandeur of the buildings including the mesmerising palace on the lake. Take a trip and witness the almost mythical beauty of Mount Abu, admire the rich array of fauna and flora and watch the sunset over the mountainous landscape. Give back to the local community as you lend a helping hand at a community outreach project and really get to know the locals. Finish your second week in style as you enjoy a once in a lifetime adventure in Rajasthan as you ride a camel across the landscape and sleep under the stars in the vast desert.

Week Three Mumbai and GoaExplore the lively and pulsing streets of Mumbai as you embrace many aspects of the Indian culture and community. Mumbai is alive with traditional markets, tantalising street food and a thriving nightlife, and you are sure to meet many interesting people and create many new stories during your short stay here. Next we move on to the sparkling, colourful beaches of Goa, known throughout the world for it’s laid back, party atmosphere and stunning natural beauty. Make the most of your time here as you visit ancient palaces, forts and temples, barter at the markets, soak up the exotic sights and smells of a spice plantation and chill out on Goa’s dazzling beaches.

Week four Volunteer community project in GoaYour last week will aim to integrate and immerse you into the community as much as possible as you get your teeth into the real side of India. You will take part in a community volunteer project in which your time and skills will help to support children and adults in the local disadvantaged community. Much of India is living well below the poverty line and it is important that as responsible tourists we give back to the local communities through imparting our skills as volunteer teachers, getting our hands dirty on a building or conservation project or helping to care for and support disadvantaged children. Your work will be varied and will include working at a number of amazing and worthwhile projects such as Goa’s slum outreach programme, the womens shelter project, caring for the elderly and working at an orphanage. During your free time there will be plenty to keep you busy as you soak up the sun on Goa’s famous pristine beaches, explore the town and chill out with other like minded travellers.

Highlights1. Camel safari and sleeping under the stars in the Rajasthan desert in a once in a lifetime experience.2. Marvel at the impressive architecture of the Taj Mahal.3. Give back to the local community on a rewarding week long volunteer project.4. Take an invigorating trek along the foothills of the Himalayas.5. Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture and the home of the Dalai Lama at the markets and ancient temples of Dharamsala.6. Relax in the healing natural hot springs of Tattapani.7. Party on the colourful and free spirited beaches of Goa.8. Trek to the beautiful Mount Abu and watch the sunset over the mountainous landscape.9. Marvel at the beauty of Udaipur, ‘The City of Lakes’.10. Explore the temples, forts and palaces of ancient India.

Gap year and Career Break Indian Experience TourTake part in this action packed tour and make the very most of your time in India. Soak up the sights, sounds and adventures that make India such a captivating and exciting country to visit on your gap year or career break, and make sure you don’t miss out on a thing!

VisaBritish Nationals will not require a visa to enter India. For a stay up to 30 days you can get an evisa which is emailed to you. For longer stays up to 60 days, you are required to get a tourist visa. Anything over 60 days we will need to send you a letter of invitation. To read more about visa requirements you can click here.

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Included

Accommodation

You will be staying in various guest houses, homestays and backpacker accommodation throughout the tour. All accommodation is basic but comfortable.

Food

Three meals a day are included during the week and brunch and dinner at the weekend.

Airport Pick Up

You will be greeted at the airport by our friendly in-country team and transport is included to take you to a guest house in New Delhi overnight before starting you tour.

Transport

Transport to and from your project sites / tour locations during your induction week is provided by our in-country team. Transport will include public and private: taxi, bus, boat, bicycle. Participants will be expected to walk when travelling short distances.

Training

Full Project induction and orientation on arrival

Support

Pre departure help and advice; local in country team; 24 hour emergency support

Not Included

Itinerary Day 1You will be met at the airport with a big smile by a member of our friendly and enthusiastic in country team. After spending the day in Delhi you will then make the journey to the beautiful Shimla, which is nicknamed ‘The Queen of Hills’ in the very North of the country.

Day 2 & 3Your adventure will begin today as you set off on a two day trek through the Himalayas starting in Shimla. Declared the summer capital of the British Rule in 1864 due to it’s flowery summers and snowy winter, Shimla is full to the brim with Indian charm and character. Situated 2,205 metres above sea level it boasts truly unique and awe inspiring views that make this the perfect area for exploring and trekking in India. You will trek for around 12 miles over two days taking in the spectacular scenery and absorbing the rural Indian culture.

Day 4Today you will visit the natural hot springs in Tattapani which is nestled in the picturesque area of Himachal Pradesh. The hot springs attract visitors from all over the country due to their invigorating properties and you will get a chance to relax your feet after your trekking. Next you will get to explore the bustling markets and fascinating European architecture of Shimla city which is alive with a mix of cultures from across the world and certainly a must see destination for travelers to India.

Day 5 & 6Today you will travel to the magnificent and spiritual Dharamsala, the birthplace of the Dalai Lama, which is surrounded by snow capped mountains. Here you will get a real taste of Tibetan culture as you visit a traditional Tibetan market and soak up the rich history and atmosphere. You will also visit the intriguing ancient ruins of the Kangra Fort, which boasts the title of the largest fort in the Himalayas as well as being the oldest in India.

Day 7You will end this week with a trip to the thriving and lively capital region of India, Delhi. Delhi is a melting pot of cultures and is bursting at the seams with treasures to be discovered from it’s stunning ancient monuments and thriving cultural arts scene to the tantalising Indian cuisine found on every market stall on every corner. Immerse yourself in the city as you explore the streets, barter at markets and contemplate over the charming Indian art work.

Day 8No tour of India would be complete without a trip to the iconic and world famous Taj Mahal in Agra. A significant building in Indian history the Taj Mahal encompasses much of the countries rich and enchanting culture and certainly doesn’t lack in grandeur. The Taj Mahal was built as a romantic gesture by the the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and what a gesture it is!

Days 9 & 10Today you will take a trip to the state of Rajasthan, in particular the city of Udaipur which is commonly referred to as the Venice of the East. Udaipur is recognised worldwide for it’s art and architecture and boasts temples dating back as far as 950 AD and palaces dating back to the Rajput era; it is certainly thriving with atmosphere and culture. Often nicknamed ‘the city of lakes’ this charming city is home to Jag Niwas, The Lake Palace which is located in the middle of Pichola lake and truly is an architectural marvel. The Grand City Palace on the banks of the lake along with the Monsoon Palace resting on the hill above also enhances the beauty of this magnificent city.

Day 11Today you will visit the wonderful Mount Abu and experience the awe inspiring sunset from across the breath taking landscape. Mount Abu, or Abu Parvat, really is a treat for the explorer as you will trek amongst lush evergreen forests, cascading waterfalls and dazzling lakes.

Day 12The morning will be free for you to relax and reflect upon your trip so far, you may wish to explore the area a bit more or just rest your feet after a busy adventure. In the afternoon you will visit a community volunteer project and get an insight into how you make a difference to locals in the disadvantaged communities.

Day 13Today you will have the experience of a lifetime as you explore the great expanse of Rajasthan desert, as your take a camel safari through this vast expanse of natural splendour, and spend the night getting back to nature as you sleep under the stars.

Day 14 & 15Today you will head back to the city of Udaipur where you will have plenty more time to explore this beautiful city and further opportunity to help out at the community volunteer project in the afternoon. Getting to know the locals and lending a helping hand is hugely rewarding experience in this beautiful city.

Day 16You will spend the morning continuing with your volunteer project in Udaipur before taking an evening bus to Mumbai.

Day 17Today you will spend the morning getting to know the city of Mumbai, taking in this epic expanse of urban excitement. Visit one of the many awesome temples, experience the Gothic architectural masterpiece of the Chhatrapati Shivaji, or find some bargains in one of the bustling bazaars. After spending the morning taking in the exhilarating sights of Mumbai you will take an evening bus to the Goa, the free spirited and beach capital of India.

Day 18Today you will get to know the in country team based in Goa and meet up with other travelers, and you will have a free evening to socialise and chill out.

Day 19 & 20Experience Goa as you visit the ancient Fort Aguada along the beach, take a stroll around Anjuna village, barter at one of the lively traditional markets, soak up the sights and smells of a spice plantation and relax on Goa’s pristine beaches.

Day 21Visit UNESCO world heritage sites in Old Goa as you explore ancient ruins of churches and convents.

Day 22Today is free for you to explore the area as you wish. You may want to visit the markets, head off on a walk, soak up the sun on Anjuna Beach or just chill out at the accommodation and reflect upon your trip so far.

Day 23 - 27For the next five days you will take part in a rewarding community volunteer project based in Goa (CRB Check Required). This is aimed to support the disadvantaged communities in the area and your time and commitment will be hugely appreciated by the locals. The volunteer work could be at a variety of of amazing projects such as working at a slum outreach programme, womens shelter project, caring for the elderly at an old peoples home and working at an orphanage run by the charity Don Bosco.There will also be plenty to keep you busy in your spare time and the social life here is second to none! Soak up the sun, party on the beach, explore beautiful ancient ruins or just sift for treasures at the local market.

Day 28Today is the last day of your trip and time to depart. Say goodbye to your new friends, exchange numbers and reminisce on the stories and adventures you’ve shared over the past month.

Social Life in IndiaIndia is such a diverse and exciting country that you will find there is no shortage of social activities to keep you busy in your spare time. It is also an extremely popular gap year year and career break destination and so you are sure to meet plenty of like minded and enthusiastic travellers along your journey! The in country team are there to ensure you have the best experience of your life and will be on hand to point you in the right direction in your spare time.

Travel and Adventure in IndiaIndia has so much to offer for a keen traveller and adventurer. Our in-country team will help you if you wish to travel to any of the fascinating areas of India that the country is so well known for. From the dazzling scenery of the Himalayas, to the cultural heritage of Agra, to one of the World’s largest camel markets in Pushkar, or take a walk on the wild side on the Rathambore Tiger Safari. There is so much to offer to keep you in awe of this astonishing country. Or simply use your free time to explore the amazing architecture and atmosphere of the “Pink City”, Jaipur!

Ask one of our Travel Advisors for more information about travel opportunities in India, and they will be able to talk you through the options available to you in your free time in India.

Accommodation in IndiaAll accommodation is included in your stay and is dependent upon the itinerary. The accommodation will always be comfortable and clean often in a single gender dormitories with adequate bathroom and toilet facilities including running water/shower.

Delhi: City Palace Guest House or Hotel Le GrandShimla: At a home stay in Deola, Shali Mountain during the 2 days of hiking and YMCA/Hotel Uphar or similar accommodation in the cityDharamshala: Pause Dwelling Guest HouseUdaipur: Volunteer HouseJaisalmer: Sleeping in the desert, mattress will be provided, but you need to carry sleeping bags and a water bottleGoa: Volunteer house

CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) Check

For some of our placements we require participants to use the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure service, or as it is now referred to as - the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Completing a Criminal Records Check is an important way for us to check your suitability for the placement, esspecially those wokring with children or vunerable people in a position of trust.

Changing Worlds has a partnership with a third party organisation that processes all CRB / DBS checks and disclosures on behalf of the Changing Worlds team so that we can make an application on your behalf. This process is extremely straight forward, making all aspects of the check as easy for you as possible! For more information on the application process you can follow this link:

You can check to see if your placement requires a CRB check on the Trip Details section of the website, in which case you should choose 'CRB Check' as an Add On whilst filling out your booking form and we will sort out the rest for you!

If you have completed a CRB check within the past 6 months and can provide a valid certificate then you will not be required to make a new application.

India is a land of overwhelming richness, both in its landscapes, among its people and its captivating culture which is truly unique. Snow-capped mountains line the northern border while palm-fringed beaches line the southern coastlines. Tribal villages co-exist with cosmopolitan cities.

Modern India has also become an epicentre for business in Asia with its political and commercial influence steadily on the rise. However, while business thrives in India’s cities, over 250 million people still live below the poverty line. This is why India needs its tourism and voluntourism sector to bring added income and support to the many people living in disadvantaged communities across the country.

Fun Facts• India is the largest tea producer in the world• India has more post offices than any other country• Bollywood is the largest film industry in the world• India has a Bill of Rights for Cows!

Travel Highlights• Trek through the foothills of the Himalayas• Whizz through bustling Indian streets on a rickshaw• Sample the flavours of a real autentic Indian curry• Discover the history and architecture behind the Taj Mahal• Ride an elephant and gain a new view of the world

Where is India?The Republic of India is located in Southern Asia, bordering the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, between Burma and Pakistan. India’s bordering countries are Bangladesh, Bhuta, Burma, China, Nepal and Pakistan.

History of IndiaThe first great Indian empire was carved out by the Indus Valley Civilisation, commonly referred to as the Harrapans. They constructed cities, established trade routes and introduced religious deities that have now evolved into the modern day Hindu gods of Kali and Shiva. The Aryans followed the Harrapans. They established the caste system and wrote the sacred teachings of Buddhism and Hinduism, known as the Vedas.

In 326BC, Alexander the Great invaded India. The attack was short lived and the Mauryan Empire soon became the ruling force over much of the Indian Empire. Political and religious stability was achieved and the caste system grew steadily during this period. Ambassadors for the Buddhist faith were dispatched to ‘spread the word’ in Sri Lanka and Nepal. However, the unified India became divided throughout the next 1000 years, with the Vijayanagar Empire seizing control over the south and the Guptas ruling in central India. These pockets of power were later amalgamated by, perhaps, the most famous Empire in Indian history – the Islamic empire of the Mughals. The Mughal Empire brought architectural grandeur and gigantic leaps in art. Many of these symbols still exist today, including Agra’s Red Fort, Hamuyan’s Tomb in Delhi and Shah Jahan’s Taj Mahal.

The Mughal Empire ruled from the 16th century until European expansionism saw the rise of the British East India Company in Asia. The British become the dominant colonial power in India, their influence spreading from Kashmir in the north down to Tamil Nadu in the south. The British Raj ruled for over 150 years, exploiting India’s natural resources and imprinting their culture on the country. The British were soon resented throughout the empire and uprisings became commonplace. Such unrest eventually led to the independence from the British in 1947. Much of this victory was thanks to one of India’s most famous and well loved figures – Mahatma Ghandi. However, this break from British rule led to the Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims fighting to assert their place on the Asian continent. Sadly, this has been the cause of much bloodshed, particularly between Pakistan and India where Kashmir has been a hotspot for fighting and civil unrest.

India’s history is certainly a turbulent one, but political and economic stability in recent years has seen the country emerge as a leading international figure, particularly in politics, business and e-commerce. Nevertheless, India is still home to vast regions of deprivation and millions continue to live in poverty.

Climate in IndiaIndia is a vast country which means the climate various significantly between regions. While the northern areas of Jammu and Kashmir are doused in snow, the central plains receive baking sunshine. Temperatures increase to around 45°C from February to May before the monsoon season starts. Although it doesn’t rain all day in the monsoon season, there are heavy downpours every day. The monsoons end in October time and a period of pleasant sunny weather lasts to February time for the majority of India. In the north, October brings a much colder climate. The Himalayan region of Kashmir, Ladakh and parts of Himachal Pradesh are covered in snow and many mountain passes are closed for the winter.

Language in IndiaHindi is the most widely spoken language in India and the primary tongue of over 40% of the population. There are over 14 official languages, but English is widely spoken and seen as the most important language for political, social and commercial communication.

Food in IndiaThere is no simple definition of an Indian meal. The food is as diverse as the country’s landscape. And not all Indian food is hot and spicy, as many assume. There is a wide variety of mild dishes, flat breads and sweet deserts that make up India’s cuisine. Each region has its own specialities, so you will discover new dishes and flavours as you explore the country. Indian food is often eaten with the hands but you should always use your right hand and never let food pass the first joint of your fingers. Your fingers should also never touch your mouth directly.

Travelling in IndiaAir: India is huge country which makes travelling by plane a very attractive option. The local airlines are reliable and there are plenty of departures between the key cities and tourist destinations. Prices are reasonable, but booking tickets can sometimes be tricky.

Rail: travelling by rail is one of the most popular options in India, not only because of the reliability and affordable tickets, but because you will get see some of the most spectacular landscapes rolling past your window. You will also get to mingle with locals from all sorts of class backgrounds. However, be prepared for long travel times. The journey from Delhi in the north to Chennai in the south is around 30hours! Nevertheless, rail travel in India is an adventure in itself. There are six seat classes to choose from: First class with air conditioning (1A), Second Tier with air conditioning (2A), Third Tier with air conditioning (3A), Chair Car (CC), Sleeper Class (SL) and Second Class (II). On hot days, air conditioning is highly recommended and for longer journeys, Sleeper Class is the most popular choice. Finally, make sure you leave enough time to book your ticket at the station before departure – at least half a day is recommended.

Bus: India’s bus network is fantastic for short journeys, particularly between towns and cities. However, for longer trips, buses can be an uncomfortable option due to their basic seating and India’s unkempt roads. Buses tickets are also very affordable.

Rickshaws, Tuk-Tuks and Taxis: rickshaws and tuk-tuks are very cheap and the authentic means of Indian travel. Make sure you agree prices before you set off and do feel free to haggle your driver down – it’s expected. Rickshaws are bicycle powered, so expect them to be slower than tuk-tuks which are the motorised version. Taxis are slightly more expensive and you should make sure the meter is working before you start your journey. Also ensure that your taxi has an official rate card. You can then compare your final meter reading with the rate card – many of the meters are very old and have the tendency to be inaccurate. Finally, be prepared for your driver to take you to various shops and restaurants as they are on commission for doing so. If you really don’t want to visit these sites, politely and firmly refuse.

Sport in IndiaIndia is renowned for sporting excellence, especially in cricket and hockey. Professional cricketers are treated like celebrities and thousands of children dream of being India’s next test cricketer. Sport in India is like religion for many. India is therefore the perfect destination to coach sport or play sport. Sport in India is sadly limited to the few who can afford it which means sport is nonexistent in many schools. Furthermore, while cricket and hockey receive a lot of focus, children are passionate about other sports, including football, athletics, netball and basketball.

Gap Years and Career Breaks in IndiaEmbrace the rich culture and heritage of India, and become one with the charming communities that will take you in and treat you like one of their own. The lively marketplaces that give you a real feast for the senses, the beautiful scenery that takes you to another world, and the enchanting architecture and historical artifacts, will all combine to make this a gap year or career break to be envied.

Some of you may be wondering where the money you pay towards your placement is actually going. As with any trip overseas, there are many things to consider that incur a cost, all of which are added benefits making the experience as memorable and fulfilling as possible!

Project AssessmentBefore you see a tour on our website, a lot of background work has gone on. Many of our tours include volunteering activities so we see it as a crucial element to make sure that the volunteering activities are as beneficial to the local community as they are to you. We have met with local organisations, vetted in-country staff, conducted rigorous safety assessments and thoroughly evaluated the tour. Only then do you get to see the tour on our website and book your place, safe in the knowledge that it is well-structured and guaranteed to be an amazing experience.

Help Choosing Which TourIf you are not sure which tour or country to choose, our hugely informative Travel Advisors are here to help. They are a friendly bunch, have all travelled extensively and can offer lots of advice on choosing the right tour or destination for you. This makes the task of deciding to travel in a foreign country much less intimidating, and far more exciting.

Pre-departure AdviceOnce you have booked your placement, you will be assigned a dedicated Travel Advisor to offer essential pre-departure advice on vaccinations, visas, kit lists and more. They will also be on call to answer those important last minute questions like “how many pairs of socks do I need?” and “can I take my mobile phone with me?”

Help with Flights and InsuranceWe do not include flights and travel insurance in our placement fee. This avoids us having to pass on unnecessary admin charges to you. It also gives you flexibility to plan any further travel before or after your tour. We do, however, offer lots of help on this through our leading flights and insurance partners, providing you with an easy booking facility and the best prices around.

Airport Pick-UpLanding in a foreign country for the first time can be daunting. This is why we ensure our in-country staff are there to meet you on arrival. There’s nothing like seeing a friendly face when you walk out of a new airport. And once we have given you a warm welcome, the in-country staff will take you back to your accommodation where you can meet the rest of the people on your tour.

Arrival InductionWe will take you through a local orientation and tour induction on arrival. This will introduce you to any useful amenities and local customs, talk your through your tour itinerary, and it will also show you how to stay safe while travelling abroad.

Accommodation and FoodAccommodation is provided on all of our tours, you may have to pay extra for additional nights, however in most cases accommodation is included. In some destinations, you may be able to upgrade to alternative accommodation, this is something that will be offered to you at different stages of your tour. We endeavour to supply food where we can on our tours, however in some cases this is not always possible. In many cases you will receive at least 1 meal a day, please see the trip itinerary on the Extra Info tab for further details.

In-Country StaffYour safety and enjoyment is extremely important to us. That’s why we have dedicated in-country teams to look after you and guide you throughout your tour. Our staff can be reached 24-hours a day and will travel with you throughout your tour to ensure everything is running smoothly, and that you are happy.

24-Hour Emergency SupportIn addition to our in-country staff, you will benefit from our international support network. You will be given emergency contact details before you leave which you can call in the event of a crisis. We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Giving Others Similar Travel OpportunitiesIn order to provide a reliable flow of participants on our tours overseas, we have to spend a chunk of money on recruiting people like you to take part in these amazing experiences. It costs to maintain a website, an office, phone lines and a team of dedicated Travel Advisors to answer all your questions!

There are quite a few things to consider and to organise before you travel to your chosen destination to take part in your trip or tour with us.

Flights and InsuranceFlights and insurance are not included on your placement which means you will have to arrange them before you leave. But don't panic, this is simpler than you may think! To make life much easier for you, we offer a free, personal booking service through our chosen flights and insurance partner – StudentUniverse, part of Flight Centre. They will guide you every step of the way.

Please only use this service here and do not go into one of their branches as this can complicate things for us.

Alternatively you can call them on 03300 585032 and mention you are considering or are going away with Changing Worlds and let them do the hard work. They will also be able to provide you with adequate travel insurance.

Travelling after your trip with us? Need a round-the-world ticket? Not a problem... just discuss this with them too.

Why are flights not included?By not including flights in our trips and tours, it avoids us having to pass on unnecessary admin charges to you. This keeps the cost of your trip lower and also means you have the freedom to search around for the lowest fares and most flexible tickets that fit your travel plans. It also means you can benefit from the expertise of our preferred partner.

What happens when flights and insurance are booked?When you book any trip with us, you will gain access to our online Travel Centre, personalised for you. In here you will have all the information about your trip and how to plan for it, including the contact details for our in-country team and address you will be staying at.

There are also some forms we need you to complete before you depart, covering areas like your dietary requirements, next-of-kin, medical information, flight arrivals details and more.

Do I really need travel insurance?We take the safety of our travellers very seriously. You must therefore book adequate travel insurance before you come away with us – you simply won’t be able to participate in your trip or tour if you don’t. Although policies vary, your insurance must include emergency medical expenses, personal accident cover, and repatriation. We also recommend that you book baggage, personal liability and cancellation cover.

VisasSome of the countries where we work will require you to have a visa. We provide guidance for this against the Trip Summary tab so you can check whether your nationality requires it. If a visa is required we will provide a letter of invitation, if the embassy requests this, as well as all the relevant information you will need to complete the visa application process. This information is provided after you book with us. With all visa applications it is important that you have sufficient space available in your passport for the relevant visas required for your travels, and that your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned date of return.

Please note we have no control over the issuing of visas and this is at the embassies discretion. We will help wherever possible though.

VaccinationsAt least 6 – 8 weeks before your chosen travel date you should visit your local GP or Nomad Travel Clinic to discuss your vaccination and medication requirements. Your medical professional will be able to advise you of any recommended and required vaccinations for your chosen destination(s).You should inform your doctor of all of your destination countries, and what activities you plan on doing, and in which regions you plan to stay while you are there, as different regions and activities have different health risks in some countries.

Some destination countries will require you to produce a certificate of vaccination in order to enter the country, so be sure that you understand any vaccination requirements for your chosen destination, so that you do not have any issues when passing through customs.

Above all you should make sure you are well prepared for your travels, so that you have the best experience possible whilst overseas!

Speak To UsIf you have any questions or would like some more information, simply contact one of our friendly Travel Advisors. You can give us a call, request a call back or drop us an email and they will be able to answer any questions you might have.

Book Your PlaceOnce you have decided to travel with us, you can secure your place by paying a small deposit. You will then be able to pay the rest of your placement fee in easy-to-manage instalments.

Welcome PackOnce we have received your deposit, we will send you a welcome email confirming your booking. This will contain your personal login details for your Travel Centre – an online account full of useful information about your destination, you chosen project and all the things you need to do before you depart.

Personal InformationWe will ask you to provide some key information to help us create the best overseas experience for you, such as medical and dietary requirements, any previous language lessons you have done, and what you’re hoping to get out of your time abroad. We may also ask you to complete a police background check.

Flights and InsuranceYou will need to book your flights and travel insurance before you leave, and then provide us with these details. We do not include flights and insurance in the project fee (to avoid passing on extra admin costs to you) but our partners will help you find the best options around.

Visas Next you will need to get your visa for your trip. British citizens do not require visas unless they are planning to work before or after the course, in which case a Working Holiday Visa will be required. We will also provide you with lots of information to make obtaining your visa very straightforward.

Final PaymentWe will ask you for your final payment 90 days before your scheduled departure date. Once paid, you will be ready to pack your bags, grab your passport and get on the plane!

1) Are meals included in this trip? Food is an important, so we include meals for the duration of this trip. On Weekdays our team will provide 3 meals per day and on weekends 2 meals per day (Brunch/ Dinner).

2) What accommodation and support is provided?Accommodation is provided in our comfortable volunteer houses (shared rooms of 2-4 people) or at in a hotel, hostel or local guesthouse. You will be provided with a 24/7 emergency number for each respective country on arrival, and you will have the dedicated support from English speaking staff on site. Our in-country team also operates formal help desk during working hours for any feedback and questions from our participants.

3) Can a participant book a private room? On the whole, the accommodation we provide is twin or four shared, however we do offer those looking for a bit more privacy the opportunity to guarantee their own single room for an extra fee per week (dependant on availability – ask us for details). Just let us know in the comments section of your booking and we will try to make it happen for you!

4) What ages are allowed on the trip? We recommend that those taking part in this trip should be 18+ year olds. For those who are under 18 years old, it is still possible to take part in the trip, we would however need written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Please mention this in the comments section of your booking.

5) When do trip activities take place? The general schedules for this trip runs from Monday to Friday (unless otherwise stated that some weekend work is available) with evenings during the week, and weekends free for travel, excursions and activities. This trip is available all year but please take note that schedule adjustments may occur on certain dates throughout the year, due to the constant evolution of the projects and circumstances beyond our control.

6) When can a participant arrive? As part of our in-country service we endeavour to provide an airport pick-up for all participants. A participant should arrive at their arrival airport any time on the Sunday of the weekend of their trip start date, and will be met in the airport arrivals by a member of our in-country team or transfer service. Please note that for those arriving on a Saturday, an extra night accommodation charge is due (dependant on availability – ask us for details). Extra nights before or after your trip (Saturday being the last day for the trip) have a cost of £25 per night). Just let us know in the comments section of your booking!

For those participants unable to arrive on the weekend, but will be arriving after the weekend on a weekday, a £50 transfer charge applies for airport pick-up and transfer to the accommodation site, unless the participant is making their own way to the accommodation location. In all such cases, please make sure we have all information of your arrival in good time before your trip.

7) Where do you pick-up and drop off? Return transfers to the airport are not provided, however we do covered your drop-off to the closest main city to your trip location, NOT to the airport. This is due to people having a range of different plans after their trip, and to avoid complications and logistical nightmares, transfers back to the airport are not available.

8) How are participants transported? Trip participants should expect to be transferred from the airport to their trip location by public transport (Taxi or Coach). Depending on your chosen trip, trip related transport can vary between minibus, open air cars, boats, and even bicycles.

9) What level of interactivity is required for this trip? We require our participants to be socially active whilst taking part in your trip! This trip incorporates lots of inter-action with the local people and culture, involves some local travel, and our volunteer projects will need you to use initiative the ability to think on your feet. In all cases, our in-country coordinators will be there to guide you and provide 24hr support to ensure everything is running smoothly.

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''The outpatients and staff gave me a send off party and I was touched and embarrassed by the extent of their gratitude. To be truthful, my contribution was limited, but it was appreciated, and I got an enormous amount out of being there.''

''The experience was greatly valuable to me professionally as I gained practical writing experience that I can take home and add to my portfolio and, considering how competitive media jobs are in my city, this is invaluable.''

"Working on the front line on some really exciting news stories and has boosted my confidence that being a journalist is what I want to be. Amazing very relevant experience and just what I needed. Thanks to all the Changing Worlds team for making this possible for me."

''Ghana is a fantastic country and the people are so welcoming and warm, especially the Ghanaian staff. What makes the placement is being part of a team who all have the same viewpoint to help others.''